Why Salt Was Once More Valuable Than Gold

In ancient times, salt was essential for preserving food before refrigeration existed.
Soldiers in Rome were sometimes paid in salt, giving rise to the word “salary.”
Salt kept meat and fish edible for long journeys, making it vital for trade and survival.
Unlike gold, salt was a daily necessity—everyone needed it to live.
Caravans carried salt across the Sahara, fueling powerful trade empires.
Salt’s role in flavoring bland foods made it culturally prized worldwide.
Wars and conflicts were fought over control of rich salt mines and routes.
Cities like Salzburg in Austria grew wealthy from their salt resources.
Salt taxes sparked unrest, including contributing to the French Revolution.
Though now cheap and common, salt once held the power to build empires and topple kingdoms.